The Farthest Shore

In about 1992, I was introduced to the music of David Wilcox, a singer-songwriter from North Carolina. I loved his music the first time I heard it and haven't stopped being a fan since then. But it's really more than being a fan for me. I really, get this, worship through this music. It makes me a better person. He's not a "Christian" singer, but his music is dripping with Christian themes. He's like U2 in the way he bridges the gaps between the secular and sacred. With both of them, but particularly with David, it's the way the gaps just disappear.

We've seen David in concert twice now, once at Wolftrap in Northern Virginia and once at the Gravity Lounge in Charlottesville. Both were great experiences. It's from one of David's best songs that generated the title of my blog.

Farthest Shore

from the album Big Horizon

We were there in the woods by the water
We left our packs up against that willow tree
We dove right in, keeping just what we were born with
Our Memories, Knowledge and Dreams

As I swam away from our possessions
I imagined that they were gone forever more
And for once I was glad that all I treasured
Would still be with me as I reached other shore.

So...Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
and when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need

After the blaze burned our cabin down to ashes
Where we'd slept warm, now the sky lets in the rain
I found the strings, frets and rusted latches
But I will never hear that old guitar again
These four walls are only in my memory
Where these stone steps rise to nothing in the air
So one last look and I'm headed for the river
To wash my hands and try to say this prayer

So...Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
and when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need

When my time to live this life is over
I'll tip my hat when I think about that swim
And of all the things that make a life worth living
That only come to those who dive right in

So...Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
and when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need

All I need.....
Let me dive into the water...
It's all I need....


That's what I'm trying to do here and in my life generally . . .to find what is essential to life and focus on those things and have the courage and faith to dive in. The farthest shore is also about looking out to the horizon to see what's out there. Sometimes you see the farthest shore and sometimes you can't see it at all. The horizon is just a distant dream.

Well, that's what I'm hoping this conversation is all about. Searching and dreaming of what can be and taking the plunge.